Fire Erupts at Egyptian Police Facility, Injuring Dozens
A significant fire ignited in a police facility in northeastern Egypt early Monday, resulting in injuries to at least 38 individuals. It took firefighters several hours to successfully extinguish the blaze, according to authorities.
The exact cause of the fire, which tore through the multi-story police headquarters located in the Ismailia province near the Suez Canal, remains unknown.
Interior Minister Investigates
In response to the incident, Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfiq, responsible for overseeing police forces, promptly arrived at the scene in the city of Ismailia, situated approximately 77 miles northeast of Cairo. He announced the formation of a committee tasked with investigating the fire’s origins.
Injuries and Treatment
Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, disclosed that 12 of the injured individuals received initial treatment at the incident site, while an additional 26 were transported to hospitals. All but two experienced difficulties in breathing, with seven of the injured already treated and discharged.
Extent of Damage
The precise number of police personnel present in the building during the incident remains unclear. Local media sources reported significant damage to the police facility caused by the fire.
Fire Suppression Efforts
Videos circulating on social media reveal the presence of flames and thick black smoke emanating from the building. The state-run MENA news agency reported that firefighters succeeded in extinguishing the fire after several hours of intense efforts.
Safety Concerns in Egypt
Notably, safety standards and fire regulations in Egypt are often inadequately enforced, a factor that has been linked to numerous casualties in similar incidents. In August 2022, a fire engulfed a crowded Coptic Orthodox church in Cairo during morning services, resulting in the tragic loss of 41 worshipers. It marked one of Egypt’s most devastating fires in recent memory.
Statistics from Egypt’s official data agency indicated that the country experienced more than 49,300 fires in the previous year, leading to 203 fatalities and injuries to 855 individuals.
This incident underscores the importance of ensuring robust safety measures and fire regulations within public facilities to prevent such tragedies.